Government Opens Option to Postpone 2026 Hajj Amid US-Israel vs Iran Conflict

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is opening up the option to postpone the departure of Indonesian pilgrims for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf stated that the option is still being considered due to pilgrim safety concerns, particularly as the escalation from conflict affecting nations in the West Asian region shows no signs of abating.

“The scenario is that the Saudi government may open [the pilgrimage], but Indonesia could cancel the departure, given these conditions as the security risk is assessed as too large for the safety of Indonesian hajj pilgrims,” said Irfan during a Commission VIII meeting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday (11 March).

Through this option, Irfan noted, the government must conduct high-level negotiations with the Saudi Arabian government so that all costs already paid do not go to waste. This includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and masyair (visa fees).

Thus, all such costs could be used for hajj pilgrimage in 2027.

“And there are various possibilities including the possibility of rejection as well, so we are also always anticipating it,” said Irfan.

Nevertheless, Irfan stated that the government remains open to the option of continuing to send 2026 hajj pilgrims, albeit with high risk. However, the government would need to prepare mitigation in air routes to avoid conflict zones such as Iraq, Syria, Iran, Israel, the UAE, and Qatar.

Subsequently, flights could be routed via the southern route through the Indian Ocean and enter through East African airspace.

“Coordination with Saudi Arabia’s GACA (General Authority of Civil Aviation) is essential to ensure safety in the flight zone. The impact of this route change includes extended flight times,” said Irfan.